Thursday, September 29, 2016

What a way to end my month of movie reviews! ‘The Island’ was everything I needed to see, Action/Adventure/Romance/Fantasy/Science-Fiction and Comedy. This 2005 film had all great elements reminiscent of one of my favourite films ‘The Fifth Element’. Directed by Michael Bay, and written by English Caspian Tredwell-Owen and Alex Kurtzman, this film was everything I didn’t expect. I love Scottish Ewan McGregor’s work and Steve Buscemi is always so interesting to look at on screen, I decided to give it a whirl.

I’m so glad I did! The story is strong and interesting and it grips the audience all along the way. Scarlett Johansson is darling in this and it was nice to see the late, great Michael Clarke Duncan (The Green Mile) give a strong performance too. Dijon Hounsou from Cotonou, Benin whom you may remember from ‘Amistad’ also had a positive, strong role which is always refreshing to see on the big screen. With a budget of $126 million USD, this film didn’t triple at the box-office, however did get 1 win and 6 other nominations that year.

Would I watch it again? Yes, by george, I want to own this film! Sensationally entertaining from start to finish!

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Definitely chronicling many many Eddie Murphy films, specifically ‘Coming to America’ this film’s premise was known from the beginning. That said, it was still very entertaining. Coming from the Netherlands in 2015, ‘Bon Bini Holland’, has introduced us to Sandino Asporaat, an acting force to be reckoned with. He not only wrote this film but played several of it’s characters.

Directed by Jelle de Jonge and shot in Curacao and the Netherlands, the story was colorful, comedic, and full of heart! Many things were left un-said or un-explained which could be a bit confusing at times, but viewers were distracted by the incredible and unbelievable luck of our main character ‘Roberto Florentina’ played by Sandino Asporaat.

No serious life lessons here, but makes for a night of good laughs and some good music!

Loads of apocalyptic films released within the last 10 years I’ll say; but this one 2011’s Drama/Thriller’s ’Take Shelter’, written and directed by American Jeff Nichols, was probably one of my favourite to watch.

Clearly with a budget of $5 million USD and Oscar-nominated actress Jessica Chastain involved a lot more people were able to see and enjoy this film, but I think it would have been just as successful as the story was interesting, unique and strong enough to stand on it’s own two feet.

Beautifully shot, with great camera close-ups and angles, and wonderfully written, viewers could appreciate the polished style and fluidity of this film. There was healthy ambiguity throughout and honest performances by the entire cast as the audience kept wondering if our main character ‘Curtis’ played by Michael Shannon had mental illness or indeed having premonitions of the last days. Nova Stewart who played ‘Hannah’ the main character’s deaf daughter was a natural and added even more on the heart-rending factor.

The film was quite believable and tackled subjects many don’t want to deal with; like mental illness, schizophrenia, therapy, communication between couples, and having the feeling of losing control and protection of your family. I would watch it again - ‘JourneywithJair recommended’!

I hadn’t seen any film projects attached to actress Jessica Biel lately and while browsing, this film popped up. This 2013 Drama/Thriller, written and directed by Italian Francesca Gregorini was an interesting, strange, mysterious and fantastical story. I have to say lead actress English Kaya Scodelario (Moon) really stole the show and her acting chops were very strong. Biel delivered but she easily slipped into the co-star role. All other actors conveyed the emotions they needed to; but this film was clearly about ‘Emanuel’.

Beautifully shot with quite a bit of surrealism it was difficult for the audience to know what was real and what was not until the end. I loved how the main characters were connected because of their loss and how they became strength for each other. It was a special interpretation by Gregorini and viewers could appreciate that.

With a run time of 91 minutes, without the rich and poetic thoughts of our main character, viewers wouldn’t be as reeled-in because it was a very slow-moving and sometimes spiritless as it rolled on and on...

“My name is Emanuel. I’m 17 years old and I killed my mother. I had her sliced open, like a goat for the slaughter, to get me pulled out. As she bled, the doctor pushed air into my lungs and pressed his hands repeatedly onto my chest, with the same rhythmic, repetitive motion that he used to jerk himself off that very morning. It worked. He came and I came. Back to life.”

The film did win 5 awards and one other nomination that year, so the $1 million USD budget paid off.

I didn’t have high hopes for this 2015 Horror/Thriller as the babysitter premise has been done before; but when I saw writer Richard Raymond Harry Herbeck attached to this project (The Cabin in the Woods, Cloverfield) I knew that the story and production should be decent. Director Michael Thelin orchestrated this disturbing film perfectly. Just when the audience was afraid to watch any further, he would give you just enough to make you sick but not traumatize you forever.

I think what made this movie deeply unsettling is the fact that a group of innocent children were subjected to immense torment. It’s bad enough parents leaving their children with a replacement babysitter, and the children know they have to follow the rules, but the series of events that unfurled were absolutely terrifying!

Lead actress Irish Sarah Bolger played her part as ’Emelie’ and babysitter exceptionally, and child actors, Carly Adams, Thomas Bair, and Joshua Rush, also did an outstanding job. Viewers got the full effect of the anguish both the antagonist and protagonist felt. It was definitely believable and heart-breaking at some moments, leaving the audience with a wavering unbalanced feeling at the end of it.

This film certainly packs the punch; and it’ll make you think twice before choosing a new babysitter.

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Directed by Spanish Jorge Dorado and written by Guy and Martha Holmes, this 2013 Dramatic/Psychological Thriller kept audiences on the edge of their seats. Nominated for 3 nominations that year, this story was unique in that it was set some time in the future where associations have the ability to enter people’s memories. The company has proven to be so successful that they even aid large corporations in crime cases. How is it then, that these individuals are ‘stumped’ when it comes to 16 year old ‘Anna’ played by Taissa Farmiga? Is she a victim of past trauma? Or is she really a bright lunatic?

Leading man, English, Mark Strong proved to be a great choice, but I wasn’t as sure for some of the other characters in the story. Everyone seemed clueless even though there were loads of facts they knew about that were uncovered by memory detective ‘John Washington’. The Farming sisters, both ‘Vera’ and ‘Taissa’ never fail to deliver eerie performances and what is seemingly a simple case, turns out to be one of the most challenging and thought-provoking.

Definitely an excellent watch for those who prefer clever entertainment.

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

It’s always a pleasure to soak in a good old movie; and even more a pleasure when it’s a real-life Crime/Drama. Written by J. Campbell Bruce and Richard Tuggle and Directed by Don Diegel, this 1979 film was written and re-enacted based on real evidence of the June 1962 escape from high security island prison ‘Alcatraz’. Starring Clint Eastwood (The Good,the Bad and the Ugly) as main mastermind behind the escape ‘Frank Morris’ and Jack Thibeau and Fred Ward as the ‘Anglin brothers’ this film was an excellent portrayal into the lives of men who won’t ever be forgotten.

Each character brought something special to the screen but I think it would have been even more interesting if the director brought a little back-story to the real lives of the men who escaped, further widening the believability that indeed they were clever enough to pull off such an attempt successfully. Siegel did a magnificent job at really capturing the details that went into this escape. I felt that Eastwood’s interpretation of Morris was a good choice because someone with high IQ and gifted such as he would try to keep a low-profile and keep focused on what he needed to get done.

Definitely ‘JourneywithJair recommended’ for a night of incredible thrill!

From the beginning of ancient time, our ancestors and forefathers, or should I say ‘fore-mothers’ knew the importance of the maternal spirit, nurturing that and celebrating the ‘inner-goddess’; there was ‘Nefertiti’ the Egyptian Queen, ‘Mother Mary’ the virgin whom gave birth to the son of God and there was ‘Venus’ inspired by poetry and representing divine love. During those times, women lived in a more tolerant, more celebrative and more of a matriarchal society.

However, like everything in life, things go full-circle, and after the fall of that triumph, women literally began falling from grace. There was the burning of ’witches’ at the stake, stoning in front of an assembly of people, advertising that a woman’s place was to be at home and only a few decades ago in 1920, American women were allowed to vote. Women were suppressed, humiliated, punished wrongfully and even killed because they proved to be too magnificent, intelligent or pure and loving in their intentions.

Slowly, women are becoming more and more aware and reminded of their strength. We still live on a patriarchal planet, some countries more so than others, but having the opportunity to be a voice to empower women in whatever capacity towards positive change for equality, balance and respect, is something I think we are all capable to do in different ways.

I believe that we should begin teaching the wonders of what it means to be a woman from the time they are small girls because this is the foundation and structure we build on for a sturdy life. It’s wonderful to embrace all aspects of our being, like sexuality, but a young woman must be reminded that being sexy isn’t just by wearing revealing clothes but quite frankly the opposite, it’s a state of mind, body-language, speech, and actions. Following blindly like sheep, in a society that constantly tricks, objectifies and marginalize on women’s sexuality for their own pleasure isn’t right.

Empowering women is to forage the light within and educate women so that they no longer be subjected to abuse of any kind, and feeling that they are unworthy and must look in from the outside into a world that will only embrace them should they become slave to Man-made rules (pun intended). Women must know that they have choices. That they bring Life into the world. That they are multi-taskers for a reason. That no matter, what nationality, creed or race, we women, can do many things, all with brilliant grace!

Thursday, August 4, 2016

**Always delightful to hear actors and 'brand-new' actors speak about their craft & the joys of bringing stories to life! :)) I love the gifts given by the director to the actors and the realization that we as humans have the power within to find all that we need.

Friday, July 22, 2016

It’s always a pleasure to see people taking life into their own hands; especially when it comes to the arts! 2011’s ‘Paul’ was written by long-time friends Simon Pegg and Nick Frost whom also starred in the movie. Both English Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are writers, actors and producers of their own vision and that’s a heap of inspiration for all those with ideas they wish to bring to fruition.

This Adventure/Comedy/Sci-Fi exceeded my expectations. I was very skeptical in the beginning but the film was very well made and gave high delivery on the laughs! There was romance, comedy, action, adventure and sentimental moments too. Well-written, great acting and loads of ‘a-hah’ moments that not only kept the audience entertained but stimulated throughout!

Pegg and Frost spent $40 million USD to hire some of today’s big honchos in the acting world and had the film directed by Greg Mottola. Bringing the laughs and adding their star power were Blythe Danner, Sigourney Weaver, Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig, Jesse Plemons, Jane Lynch, Bobby Lee, Jeffrey Tambor, and Canadian Seth Rogen as the voice of ‘Paul’.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

2011’s ‘The Change-Up’ written by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore and directed by David Dobkin, was a light Comedy starring the usual suspects. This time, no leading lady, but two leading men, Jason Bateman and Ryan Reynolds. You’ll want to keep the children inside for this one; this film is Rated R for very strong sexual content, nudity and drug-use; which although I found un-necessary at times did turn out to make me laugh.

Hollywood has excelled at the cookie-cutter recipe for movies depending on genre; for this instance, comedy, there was a lot of crude and provocative humour, followed by retrospection, the ‘a-hah’ moment and then the heart-warming and positive ending. Not a bad formulae but a bit mundane at this point.

Leslie Mann and Olivia Wilde also join in the fun as love interests and capture not only the hearts with their chemistry with cast-mates but with the audience as well. ‘The grass isn’t always greener on the other side’; a great reminder that we can’t always fill the shoes of someone else!

“There is one question before you, and one answer is required. If you try to communicate with myself or the guard, you will be disqualified. If you spoil your paper, intentionally or accidentally, you will be disqualified. If you choose to leave this room for any reason, you will be disqualified. Any questions?”

This 2009 Mystery/Thriller was reminiscent of other movies like ‘The Cube’, however it still kept the audience’s attention till the very end. Written and Directed by English Stuart Hazeldine it was a clever and obvious low-budget film (all in one room) that kept viewers on their feet with trying to figure out a confusing riddle given to our main characters at the very beginning.

Starring Adar Beck, Gemma Chan, Nathalie Cox, Luke Manly, and Chukwudi Iwuji all with English backgrounds they all gave incredible, stable and credible performances. Gripping and electrifying from start to finish, it was a film that kept the mind captivated and engaged just as it’s characters were. Not your usual thriller and a wonderful exception to the usual played-out rules!

It’s being a passenger on planes that you get the chance to catch up on movies! I’m so grateful that I have the opportunity to do that now. The last one I had the pleasure of catching was ‘Daddy’s Home’ starring the ever-hilarious Will Ferrell. This 2015 Comedy was Written by Brian Burns and Sean Anders and directed by Sean Anders.

Very simple yet powerful story-line of Father versus Step-father and Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg and Linda Cardellini managed to make all of it believable and heart-warming. With an estimated budget of $50 million USD, it grossed $150 million back at the box-office and even garnered 1 win and 3 nominations for delivering the funnies!

Starring the newly-talked-about actress Emayatzy Corinealdi, who drove Writer/Director Ava DuVernay into the spotlight and pivoted her career in a whole new direction gaining not only nominations and wins but also continuous leading roles shortly thereafter. She once again snagged a wonderful lead spot for Director Karyn Kusama’s film ‘The Invitation’.

Written by partners Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi, this 2015 Drama/Thriller is about a dinner party of friends who reunite after a tragic incident. The friends except for one are completely oblivious of the illboding events that are revealed slowly. Three wins and 1 nomination that year, although it wasn’t a blockbuster it managed to triple at the box-office.

I loved that this film wasn’t the ordinary Thriller/Horror, but instead quite sensible in reactions and pacing. The perfect example of what a Hollywood party really is all about. With the twist of events almost towards the end, this psychological thriller kept the audience wanting to know more and more about the characters and the real reason why they were all ‘invited’. Strong acting, and makes for a night of unexpected fun!

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

This 2015 Dramatic Biography starring Will Smith was supremely talked about. Partly because it was snubbed as a choice for Best Film for the 2016’s Oscars and partly because it was so good. Dr. Bennet Omalu was the Nigerian neuropathologist who first made the discovery of CTE, an American-football-related brain trauma that affected many retired players. It was a remarkable discovery and a great role by Smith whom played Omalu.

Bringing this unbelievable story to the big screen is Peter Landesman (Kill the Messenger, Parkland), who wrote and directed this feature. English Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Alec Baldwin (30 Rock) and Albert Brooks were among the actors that gave solid work. I wasn’t blown away by any single performance, but found the usefulness of the film’s message beyond significant.

The “America is my dream place and I want to be American” attraction by our lead Omalu played by Smith I felt to be a bit overplayed but overall it was a decent movie and impressive story.

Saturday, May 21, 2016

So that’s where that infamous scene of Marilyn Monroe’s dress flying upwards came from! ‘The Seven Year Itch’ that was released in 1955 and written and directed by Polish filmmaker Billy Wilder and starring cult bombshell Marilyn Monroe, Tom Ewell and Evelyn Keyes only won 1 Golden Globe that year and garnered another 3 nominations, however it has gone down in the books for life as an iconic film.

The famous scene that made this Comedy-Romance significantly famous was actually only a few seconds long, but alas it was the heavy magnitude that Marilyn was able to subdue her audience. I must say that I quite enjoyed it and it was a playful comedy shedding light on the temptations all married couples may face at some point or the other. Monroe played her usual role as the clueless and attractive blonde but was delightful and refreshing to watch on screen as she possessed a certain sweet charisma.

Friday, May 20, 2016

2014’s ‘Shelter’ written and directed by English actor, Paul Bettany (A Beautiful Mind, Da Vinci Code) and whom we can’t forget for his performance in the film ‘Legion’; wonderfully sprinkles the kernels of these main character’s lives’ into the recipe of self-discovery and healing. This film is a daring journey of exploring what it means to face qualms in order to truly live again.

Not to be confused with 'Gimme Shelter' (2013’s drama starring Vanessa Hudgens) whose main character was precisely looking for shelter; Bettany’s use of the word ‘Shelter’ was an adept allegory that posed as a poetic dubiety for acknowledgement and affection. He began writing the script with the intent of people being judged and romance which eventually led to vagabondage. A magnificent treasure, despite it’s non-popularity, it was a pleasure I hadn’t intended on finding.

Acting by ‘Anthony Mackie’ (Hurt Locker, Captain America, Million Dollar Baby) who is slowly becoming a household name, gave a remarkable performance and even acquired a believable Nigerian accent for his role. Oscar winner Jennifer Connelly (Requiem for a Dream, Blood Diamond, A Beautiful Mind) who we will forever remember from her role in ‘Labyrinth’ also displayed outstanding acting chops, and she even lost significant weight for her role as a heroine addict. They both showed intense understanding and undertaking for what their characters strifes were.

Viewers easily related to the hardships they endured because of Connelly and Mackie’s work. Reaching emotional spikes was effortless due to the heap of cruel and unfortunate turns that unfolded throughout the story. It taught the audience that most times the only way we can rise up and out of situations that spiral out of control is through concord, assurance and the beauty still on hand in life itself. Sometimes our quests in life transform into extremely difficult and unbelievable situations but this feature not only offers us hope, but also scoops us into trusting in a life of resilience even after visiting the depths of hell and painful loss.

For Bettany’s first undertaking as a film director, I’d say he’s done a mighty fine job. After having worked with a marvelous line of directors, including Ron Howard, Darren Aronofsky, and Joss Whedon, he was fortunate enough to have some tutelage. I won’t be surprised to see more paramount projects coming from him in the future. With a run-time of 105 minutes, memorable music and first-rate acting, it’s definitely worth the watch!

I quite enjoyed ‘1958’s’ ‘The Fly’ written by James Clavell and George Langelaan and directed by Kurt Neumann. This Dramatic/Horror/Sci-Fi had plenty of French flair as it was set in Montreal and starred lovable actor Vincent Price, David Hedison and Canadian actress Patricia Owens.

Quite different in acting styles, shots and overall deliverance of story to modern-day viewers but all the more charming to me! I loved how the film unfolded to reveal the mystery bit by bit. Clever, yet simple story-line which began with a climax, edged on slowly with magnetized mystery and leaving the audience terrified towards the end. Quite powerful indeed!

The film raises thought-provoking questions about man and his inventions and his intentions once unlocking such capabilities. It also shows how trust can be bent even with the best intentions. I’d watch it again - twas’ a wonderful ‘Friday the 13th’ treat!

“When you’re hiding you’re safe, because people can’t see you. But funny thing about hiding: you’re even hidden from yourself.”

In case you were wondering, 2015’s ‘Joy’ starring Academy Award Winning Actress Jennifer Lawrence is a biographical film. It is in fact based on the life of ‘Joy Mangano’, an American inventor who became known for many inventions including the self-wringing ’Miracle Mop’ and is the president of ‘Ingenious Designs LLC and she appears frequently on the US television channel HSN (Home Shopping Network).

Written and directed by David O. Russell, it was nominated for 1 Oscar that year and received 18 other nominations and 4 wins. Two-time Oscar winner Robert De Niro as well as Four-time Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper also co-starred in this film. Listed under genres of Comedy and Drama, I found very little to laugh about in this film. Perhaps there were dark humorous moments, but I found it mostly dramatic and really very sad. The story showed moment after moment of adversity, failure, and falls and even though there was some retribution, the tone of the film was mostly morose.

With an estimated budget of $60 million USD it was beautifully shot and executed, however they barely scraped even at the box-office, grossing only $56 million USD back. Certainly worth the watch, as many ‘under-dogs’ will be able to relate to it; hopefully inspiring our audience to keep dusting themselves off and keep pushing forward towards their goals in life.

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Written by Kate Siegel and Mike Flanagan and Directed by Mike Flanagan and starring Kate Siegel, this 2016 Horror/Thriller is the perfect example of what a good marriage and good teamwork is all about! With a run-time of 81 minutes, and shot entirely in one space, this film although with a small budget was certainly gripping from beginning to end. In fact, this film was sensationally scary which I did not expect. In my opinion very unique and special and because of that it kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

Some people may think, this type of horror film has been done time and time again, but what made it so unique is that our main character ‘Maddie’ played by Kate Siegel does not speak for the entire film. Why? Because she is deaf. Actors in this film not only ‘signed’ but also showcased their acting chops as the majority of the film was without dialogue. A clear example of the ‘showing’ technique, not ‘telling’ which is always recommended but certainly more difficult to do.

Terrifying throughout and well-made, it was suspenseful yet, as a viewer I would have liked to know more about the motive for the antagonist and have him revealed much later with a solid connection to our protagonist.

I absolutely enjoyed 2015’s ’Er its wider da’ or ‘Look Who’s Back’. This German film written and Directed by David Wnendt and starring Oliver Masucci, who captured a rather confused and powerful Adolf Hitler, Katja Riemann, Fabian Busch, and Lars Rudolph among others. Filmmaker Wnendt got the idea to do this film because he wanted to see how people would react to Hitler.

Based on the bestselling novel by Timur Vermes and grossing triple of its original budget its fair to say that the film was a success. Posing many interesting questions to viewers should their be a resurgence of this kind and highlighting the budding problems in Europe at the moment, it was a clear display of how humans work. Hitler is nothing like modern people think, but what he was able to persuade society to do in the past was still alive in some people of today.

Extraordinary acting and wonderful candid interactions that were a mixture laugh-out-loud funny and the sad perspective of what we still deal with in the 21st century. 4 nominations that year and no wins, but definitely a winner in my book; this story I believe was a mirror separating the past and the present, lets hope, not the future.

It was really interesting to see Eddie Murphy stretch and evolve in his acting in 2012’s ’A Thousand Words’. Audiences around the world are accustomed to ‘Eddie Murphy’ comedy which is fast-paced and witty, but for this film even though less was said, he still delivered the laughs. The extension of hhis dramatic muscles though were quite evident and it left the heavy comedy to his co-stars. I was really impressed with the versatility of actor Clark Duke who played Murphy’s assistant, I felt that he stood out a lot in this film. I also enjoyed Kiwi Cliff Curtis whom you may remember from ‘Training Day’, ‘Three Kings’ and ‘The Fountain’ who played the perfect ‘Dr. Sinja’ (Deepak Chopra). Award-winning sweet-heart Kerry Washington also displays good range (not in this film) but in comparison to her heavier dramatic characters.

Written by Steve Koren and directed by Brian Robbins the estimated budget of $40 million USD, sadly the film did not gross nearly as much in the box-office. I think more viewers were expecting the ‘usual’ Eddie Murphy comedy and not such a dramatic movie. In my opinion this film’s message was a lot more powerful than the numbers portray and despite it’s poor release, it was a valuable story that needed to come to life (no pun intended). Reminiscent of 1997’s ’Liar-Liar’ the story sheds light on the negativity and loudness in life that many of us need silenced in order to know our true selves and pay attention to what’s important around us.

This movie was heart-warming with a solid directive and I felt all actors portrayed their roles well.

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

A quote my mother used to say to me when I was younger. It didn’t make much sense to me then, but it reminds us that in this life there will always be twists, turns, ups and downs very much like our beloved adventure films. In essence, life is an adventure! The delightful thing is though, is that we get to star in the film of our lives! How exciting is that?!

Some people speak of destiny and I agree our experiences here are written by the best of story-tellers to help us remember, learn, and love. However as the actors and human beings in life, we have a right, an opportunity and the free-will to alter our routes to gain more insight, strength and skills along the way. I believe we are ALL destined for great things. We ALL have great stories to share. And when we place Faith as our compass in life, we can trust that whatever direction we take on our journey, we will ultimately end up exactly where we are meant to be.

Our stories can be unforgettable, unimaginable, and extraordinary should we just allow our stories to play out and unfold as they should. Move with the flow and trust and be with your experience. We didn’t get that call we were waiting on, or we missed that opportunity, or we just heard our 100th “No!” There will be other calls, opportunities and one 'Yes!". Who said anything good came easy!? Well, perhaps for some it may seem that way, but darlings never compare yourself to the other. Each person’s path and story is uniquely and wonderfully different. We all have our challenges in life, so just be happy with your experience, and “bumps” and “thumps” we have to deal with. The good news is…

They don’t last.

And more importantly those miserly and cruel people won’t last forever either. Let ‘them’ have the last word. Let them ‘laugh’ and believe they’ve won. Perhaps they have … for now. But I guarantee your luck will change. And so will theirs. We are constantly creating and re-creating our Karma. And Karma my darlings, is very, very, real. Sometimes it may be difficult to hold on to the un-seen, the mysterious, and to Faith, but it becomes a wonderfully soothing balm to rest your minds in while you climb that giant hill.

Be gentle with yourself. You are not a failure. You did the best you could. And your story isn’t over. Every good story tells of the underdog having their day in the sun. That’s why the phrase my mother used is funny. Because, ‘Life is funny…just wait…and keep moving to see what the story-teller reveals to his audience next. We are always kept on the edge of our seats!

And then after the thunderous ovation, you can finally take your magnificent bow.

Monday, February 15, 2016

It was wonderful to see Owen Wilson (Meet the Parents, The Royal Tenenbaums, Night at the Museum) playing a serious character as opposed to his usual comic roles. Irish Pierce Brosnan (Bond 007) was also interesting to watch, as his character in this 2015 Action/Thriller was completely different from his usual roles. Lake Bell (What happens in Vegas, No Strings Attached) played wife to Owen Wilson and Thai Sahajak Boonthanakit (Only God Forgives, 2 Guns) also joined in on the fun. All actors were believable in their characters, but I honestly wanted to see more of Brosnan who played “Hammond” as in my opinion he was not only engaging but seemed to be the most resourceful.

Written and directed by the Dowdle brothers, I feel like the story had fantastic potential. Overall I can say it was also a good film but there were some elements that did not make it true to life. Set in South-east Asia, the movie was shot in Thailand, however there were Cambodian actors, bill-boards and Cambodian and Laotian languages that were used. If we want to get our geography in order, and if it the family did actually go to Thailand, then Vietnam wouldn’t be such a close border, one would have to go through Cambodia or Laos before arriving there. Another thing would be if film-makers gave a little more back-story on the countries turmoil as well as the Water Company Wilson’s character worked for. I also found the characters “complaining” about the “4th World Country” and about how much they missed home a bit immature and played out.

Besides those slight hiccups, the film was rated R for strong violence and some language and a short/prevented sexual assault. It was non-stop action and intriguing almost every step of the way. Thrilling and nail-bitingly intense, it makes for a great film on how to survive and protect each other in extreme and unpredictable situations. An unpredictable and gripping ride all the way!

What is Freedom? According to the dictionary it’s a state of being free or at liberty, no restraints, no eternal control, no regulations, no bondage, no slavery, no obligations…independence and being true to one’s self. Then why is it lately that some correlate the meaning of freedom to mean something completely different. If someone is to be free to be themselves, then they should not have the pressure to be someone or something they are not.

Lately, I’ve been hit by bothersome cultural explanations on what people think “freedom” is. One theory is that we are all free because we live in the “land of the free” and home of the brave. This statement is supposed to clarify truth, but If this were indeed true, I think we as individuals would be able to express ourselves completely and be at liberty to think freely and not conform to the constant subliminal messages we are bombarded with through the media everyday. Another theory is that being rebellious in a sense, lying completely naked on the beach or taking nude photos or pushing the envelope with our sexuality is considered being “free”. Putting our bodies up on display for the world to see, in my opinion not only draws attention of the wrong kind, but also cheapens the package on a whole. Because the “majority” like “media” invites us to assimilate and be “free” doesn’t mean that one is more powerful or without restraints. In fact, it is following the trend and accepting what the media teaches us is “cool” or “acceptable”.

This brings me to Freewill. What is Free-will? This is independent mind, independent spirit, independent absence of following the crowd but instead listening to that inner voice of wisdom. It is the will to be free and the freedom to do as you please. Being obligated to become “free” according to society’s definition is a trap. Being free to be as you are, imperfectly perfect and constantly expanding should be the doctrine of remembering what it is to be free. Being “free” to analyze the world and practice what it means to be you is a beautiful thing. Being “free” to walk the path less traveled and celebrate your uniqueness is peace. Being “free” to discover new ways of expressing your individuality is sexy.

Perhaps society was starved of some things due to strict upbringings, traditions or practices, but does that mean we should tip all the way to the other side to reach satisfaction? Young girls are taught over and over again that sexuality sells? What if, in this patriarchal society, we celebrated women as goddess’ to be revered, appreciated and magnified as a true prize of adoration — the passage of continued life? What are women selling? And when they sell it, what do they receive in return? A label. A measly label. Is that what we want to be? Have we no self-worth, restraint, or mystery anymore? Must we lay all our goods on the table to be accepted, to be welcomed or popular? Or worst yet, to be considered FREE?

You are G-R-E-A-T! Don’t let ANYBODY try to make you feel any less of an individual. Be FREE to BE YOU! No apologies and no excuses :)

Sunday, January 31, 2016

Based on a novel by English Tim Lebbon, this 2015 Horror/Thriller was adapted into screenplay by Dan Kay and was directed by German Uli Edel (Houdini). Not entirely a fan of Nicholas Cage, however this film was a decent one and both Cage and Sarah Wayne Callies, who plays his wife, gave both worthy performances. Besides some small implausible moments, the story’s foundation was strong enough and believable throughout.

Set in New York City on the night of Halloween, the music, costumes and highlights were wonderfully eerie and the movie brought the fear factor at all the right junctures. It was a lot better than I expected and I was quite happy with the way it progressed. I feel that viewers would be able to relate and because the information presented was so intriguing and structured, it was easy for the audience to share in the tragedy, panic and energy behind the adventure.

An honest film with good story, and just enough fright to keep you on the edge of your seats.

Monday, January 25, 2016

This 2014 Adventure/Crime/Drama was set in the favelas of Brazil and was nominated for 1 BAFTA Film award and 4 other nominations and had 2 wins that year. Based on a novel by Andy Mulligan and adapted into screenplay by Richard Curtis and Felipe Braga, this touching tale was directed by Stephen Daldry and Christian Duurvoort and was anything similar to it’s title. ‘Trash’ is a treasure that was exciting, riveting, heart-wrenching and eye-opening.

The three young leads Gabriel Weinstein, Eduardo Luis and Rickson Tevez, who play ‘Marco’, ‘Gardo’ and ‘Raphael’ respectively are first-time actors whose acting abilities soar and deliver remarkably to viewers. Hollywood actors Rooney Mara and Martin Sheen also join in but don’t captivate the audience the way the three boys do.

Poverty and injustice pull heavy at our heartstrings but the film’s message is one that is thrilling and intense but shows that even if one is surrounded by adversity and opportunity can arrive to change your life handsomely forever. With a run-time of 114 minutes ‘Trash’ is the music, the soul, the energy and a pearl of a story, you won’t want to miss!